Wealdstone on a Wembley high ahead of Hartlepool United clash
Hartlepool United's next opponents received a major boost when they secured a place in the FA Trophy final on Saturday.
Hartlepool United will face a sizeable challenge when they return to National League action with a visit to Wealdstone on Tuesday night.
Nicky Featherstone’s side have not played since they battled their way to a 3-2 win at Morecambe last Wednesday night - but their bid for a play-off place did receive a slight boost on Saturday when top seven rivals FC Halifax Town slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Scunthorpe United. The Stones were not in league action over the weekend - but they will go into their meeting with Pools on the highest of highs after securing a place in the FA Trophy final with a dramatic late win against National League North club Marine.
The semi-final clash appeared to be heading towards a penalty shoot-out as the two sides failed to break the deadlock - but that all changed deep in second-half injury-time when Stones striker Micah Obiero raced on to a long ball and chipped Marine goalkeeper Jack McIntyre to set off wild celebrations from the vast majority of a 4,000 capacity crowd. The win means the Stones will face National League rivals Southend United in the Wembley final in May - and manager Gary Waddock revealed his delight over his side’s achievement as they now turn their focus towards their bid to disrupt Pools’ play-off bid.
Speaking to the club website, Waddock said: “It’s great. I just think it’s great for everybody connected with the football club, the staff, the players, the supporters. Today they came out in their numbers and it was a great atmosphere. To score when we scored, with the quality of finish as well, the place just erupted. I am pleased for the chairman, Rory, I am delighted for him. He’s been here through thick and thin if you like. The staff have been brilliant, every single one of them, and I’m not going to name everyone but Payney took the game against Kidderminster in the quarter-final and he deserves a lot of credit because he stepped in, he took the game, and we got through. But I’d also like to thank Sam Cox as well and his staff. He’s played a big part in this as well so we can’t dismiss that.”
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